Authority of Jesus

Jesus’ Role as the Cornerstone

Luke 20 is a chapter packed with profound lessons and pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry. With 47 verses, it covers essential themes such as:

Jesus’ authority questioned
The parable of the wicked vinedressers
The Pharisees: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?
The Sadducees: What about the resurrection?
Jesus: How can David call his descendant Lord?
A warning to beware of the scribes

Let’s take a closer look at the cornerstone verse in this chapter: Luke 20:17.

Encouraging Verse: Luke 20:17

NIV: “Jesus looked directly at them and asked, ‘Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”?’”
The Message: “But Jesus didn’t back down. ‘Why, then, do you think this was written: That stone the masons threw out—It’s now the cornerstone!?’”

The Context

Before we arrive at this pivotal verse, let’s recap the events leading up to it. Jesus had just wept over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction and grieving deeply. Then, filled with righteous indignation, He entered the temple and drove out the merchants, declaring: “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves’” (Luke 19:46).

In Luke 20, Jesus returns to the temple, teaching and proclaiming the good news of the Gospel. The chief priests and teachers of the law, already enraged, confront Him, questioning His authority. As He often did, Jesus answered their question with another question about the origins of John’s baptism, leaving them unable to respond.

He then shares the parable of the wicked tenants, a clear allegory of Israel’s leaders rejecting God’s messengers and His Son. This parable builds to our encouraging verse: Jesus’ declaration that the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

My Thoughts

One fascinating aspect of Jesus’ ministry is His ability to balance gentleness and strength—the Lamb and the Lion. So often, we focus on His tender side and overlook the bold, commanding Jesus who stands firm in truth. This is the same Jesus who, in righteous anger, drove out the merchants and later proclaimed the Gospel in that very same temple. He is also the mighty King described in Revelation:

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war… From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron…” (Revelation 19:11-16).

This side of Jesus inspires me. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to serve a wimpy King! The same Jesus who lovingly welcomed children also held a whip of cords to cleanse His Father’s house (John 2:15).

Have you ever noticed how Jesus often answered questions with questions? He had a way of silencing His opponents and shifting the conversation to eternal truths. In Luke 20, His parable of the tenants highlights God’s relationship with Israel and His plan of salvation. The vineyard owner represents God; the tenants symbolize Israel’s leaders; the servants are the prophets, and the son is Jesus Himself. It’s no wonder the religious leaders were furious—they knew exactly what He meant and sought even more to arrest Him.

Then Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, reminding us of His identity as the cornerstone.

Jesus as the Cornerstone

In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the first and most important stone set in a building’s foundation. It determined the alignment and stability of the entire structure. Jesus identifies Himself as this cornerstone—the essential foundation of God’s kingdom. Psalm 118:22 prophesied the Messiah’s rejection and ultimate exaltation.

For believers, this is wonderful news! 1 Peter 2:4-6 tells us that we are living stones, built into a spiritual house, unified and made stable by Him. Ephesians 2:19-22 declares that we are members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone.

But there’s also a warning in Luke 20:18: “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” Rejecting Jesus leads to judgment, but building your life on Him brings stability, salvation, and eternal life.

Practical Application

How can we live out the truth of this passage? Here are some takeaways:

Know Jesus Fully: Learn about both the Lamb and the Lion. Embrace the full nature of our Savior.
Revere the Lord: Live with a healthy, reverential fear of God—awe and respect for His holiness and authority.
Be Zealous for His House: Honor the house of the Lord as a place of prayer and worship, just as Jesus did.
Value Prophetic Voices: Respect God’s prophets. Test prophetic words, but remember Amos 3:7: “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”
Live as Part of the Body: Recognize that life in the Kingdom isn’t a solo act. We are a body, and Jesus is the cornerstone that holds us together.
Build on the Right Foundation: Ensure your life is firmly built on Christ, our unshakable cornerstone.

Your Turn

What are your thoughts on Luke 20:17?
How can you apply this passage to your life?
Do you have a favorite verse or takeaway from this chapter?

I’d love to hear your insights! Share them below.

Until tomorrow… Peace & Love,
Coach D